EUGENE -- Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic led from the opening round and added to his lead with a final throw of 84.24m/276-4 to win the men's javelin at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field.

The victory earned Vadlejch his third career Diamond League championship and sends him into the Olympic year on a high note after finishing in bronze medal position at the World Championships last month.

Vadlejch, the world leader in the event since June, opened with a throw of 84.01m/275-7 to put the pressure on the field. 

“I felt very well," Vadlejch said. "Actually one throw I had over 85 meters, over 86, but it was a centimeter false. It was very good.

”It’s very difficult, especially in my age, I’m almost 33 years old, so it’s difficult but javelin throw is my life, so I love it.”

#DiamondLeague specialist 💎

Jakub Vadlejch delivers at the #DLFinal once again, winning his third series title with 84.24m in the men's javelin. #EugeneDL 🇺🇸
📸 @GorczynskaMarta pic.twitter.com/Z9KEXIpSow

— Wanda Diamond League (@Diamond_League) September 16, 2023

World champion Neeraj Chopra of India seemed up to the challenge, pulling into second place with a throw of 83.80m/274-11 in Round 2, but he was unable to get any closer.

“It’s always tough competing with Neeraj, but victory is for me, very valuable," Vadlejch said. "I’m still dreaming.”

His second-place finish here will do little to diminish the impact Chopra is having on track and field in his home country and the Asiatic region at large. The Olympic and world champion has one more competition this year to continue being an inspiration, the Asian Games in China.

“After Olympic gold, (Indian athletes) also believe that we can also win," Chopra said. "I was there in Budapest, I won gold there, and it will also change something in Indian Athletics.”

Oliver Hollander of Finland finished third with a third-round throw of 83.74m/274-9.

American Curtis Thompson finished fifth at 77.01m/252-8.